Friday, June 3, 2016

Movie Review Madness - Love and Friendship

I sat and let the glory of words wash over me. It was a refreshing time at the movies for Love and Friendship.  Based on a Jane Austen novella, this smart costume drama filled the screen with beauty and cunning (Kate Beckinsale as Lady Susan), witty dialogue, fantastic vocabulary, and a quick paced tale. It was glorious and nothing blew up. It’s eighteenth century England, and what is a woman without a man and money? Woe to the widow, Lady Susan, who’s on the move. She lands at a relative’s home and instantly charms her sister-in-law’s brother. Reginald De Courcy (Xavier Samuels) is younger, full of ideals, and enjoys talks and walks with Lady Susan. Meanwhile, other suitors circle despite her devious reputation. She’s difficult to resist.

Her daughter arrives – a pale, wisp of a girl, seemingly without a backbone. She’s been kicked out of school. Now what? Marry her off? Oh dear. In typical Jane Austen fashion, the author questions the role of women in the world, and points to strong will and character, personality and wit. It’s sad if one does not have a fortune, and ridiculous to be dependent. Some of the best dialogue occurs between Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny (the brash American married to an old fart – Stephen Fry). It’s laugh out loud humorous. Oh, there’s behind the scenes conniving, a scandal at Langford, and plenty of rousing indignation in a mere ninety minutes or so.

Great acting, great writing, and Kate Beckinsale is absolutely wonderful in this role. Love and Friendship is a gem of a little flick. If you like Jane Austen, this film is for you.


16 comments:

  1. Sounds like a charming film. Kate Beckinsale is perfect for a movie like that!

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  2. I ha not heard of this, sounds delightful!

    Betty

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  3. First I've heard of this one. But I'm fine with staring at Kate haha

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  4. You had me at, "It was glorious and nothing blew up." Hahaha! I'd love to see this one. :D

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  5. Was listening to Kate Beckinsale on the radio (earlier this week) over here in England - her voice is so lovely and that film sounds like just the thing I'd like to see :) I too liked your line "It was glorious and nothing blew up"!!

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  6. Hi Joanne - thanks for the review - should be a good watch ... it's not over here yet - but I'm sure we'll get it in due course ... and it is English-like! - well Irish I see from the location ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Yes. Filmed in Ireland but Jane Austin's words. Cheers indeed

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  7. I totally love Jane Austen, though I haven't read Lady Susan! Your post makes me want to read it like NOW! All JA novel based films are a must see as far as I am concerned...hope it reaches here soon..

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  8. Keep your eye out. Thumbs up for sure

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  9. I never thought much of Kate Beckinsale as an actress until I saw this thoroughly delightful Jane Austin comedy. She enthralls as Lady Susan. The rest of the cast is great, too. Best of all, it moves at a good clip...so much so you'll probably want to watch it twice to catch all of the clever dialogue.

    Mariz
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  10. I had never heard of this particular novella by Jane Austen, but now I would like to read the book to see how it compares. The film is funny and light and it was very enjoyable.

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